We like to think that elite sport is about glorious moments; goals that are illogically impressive; sprints that extend our apprehension of the body; stamina so efficient it could power a small town. In reality, sport at the highest level is a kaleidoscope of rigorous technological analysis, inhuman scheduling, and muddied social lives (to say nothing of luck in avoiding injury). This is Kraftwerk’s ode to a titanium world. It’s a precise, sophisticated album that manifests the inner functions of athleticism through metronomic sci-fi and robotic patterns. Much like the bicycle and the athlete, Kraftwerk are obsessed with motion and form.
25/30
A favourite: ‘Tour de France (Etape 2)’